Roger Burl Jean, age 90, heard the words “Well Done” from his Lord and Savior as he peacefully passed at is home in Salem, IN on May 13, 2025.
He was born to Cecil and Gayle Russell Jean on June 1, 1934 in Medora, IN.
He graduated from Campbellsburg High School and served in the United States Army during the Korean War.
Burl married the love of his life, Carmelita Sue Myers on October 2, 1959 who was waiting in heaven to hold his hand along with his grandson Riley.
In addition, he was preceded in death by his parents, and two sisters, Kathryn Sullivan and Marilyn Rosenbaum.
Of all the things Burl Jean loved, his family was chief among them and oh how he loved them well.
Whether it was a family dinner, always followed by a card game or a trip across the world…and everything in between, his love radiated.
His love was a show up kind of love. He was a man of few words, but his actions spoke volumes.
Burl loved the land. His love of farming was lifelong. Out of all the accomplishments in his life, if you asked him what he did for a living, he would say “I’m a farmer”.
Time spent in the fields was his thinking time and it was there that he came up with what “a person could do” to make our community better.
Burl founded Jeans’ Extrusions in 1982 providing employment to hundreds over the last 43 years in our community.
He was a big believer in quiet philanthropy and helped more people than we will ever know…just like he wanted it to be.
Burl’s faith led every aspect of his life. He was a founding member of Southern Hills Church.
His leisure time was limited, but when he could, he would travel, but not like you’d think.
His ideal trip was with a friend or two, sleeping in the back of his truck, preferably waking up to the majesty of the mountains with a cup of hot coffee.
Summing up a life so well lived into a few paragraphs is nearly impossible, but he was never one for accolades or praise.
His hugs with the hard pats, the sound of his laughter and the twinkle in his eye will be desperately missed by his daughters Jennifer (Wade) Tomlinson and Allison (Joe) Ezzell, his adoring grandchildren, Hope Tomlinson, Carter and Katie Ezzell, and Macie Tomlinson, his sisters Sue Williams and Linda McNeeley, nieces, nephews and an abundance of friends that feel like family.
Memorial donations in Burls honor can be made to the Washington County Community Foundation or Southern Hills Benevolence Fund.
Funeral services will be held at 1PM Monday at Southern Hills Church.
Burial will follow in Crown Hill Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Sunday from 2PM-8PM and Monday from 11AM-until time of service at the church.
